Can Predatory Bacteria End Hospital-Acquired Infections?

Can Predatory Bacteria Halt the Spread of Superbugs?

Posted on June 01, 2016 by Shapiro Law Group

Superbugs are antibiotic resistant bacteria that researchers suggest may kill 10 million people every year by 2050. The threat posed by superbugs is so serious that some researchers have compared it to global warming.

World health organizations are calling for an ‘antibiotics revolution’ to stop the spread and development of new superbugs. Such a revolution would involve curtailing the use of some antibiotics. Overuse of antibiotics has led these bacteria to evolve and become immune to most methods of treatment.

Researchers with Rutgers University want to use ‘predatory bacteria’ to hunt down and kill superbugs. It is an ingenious approach to target superbugs not with new antibiotics, but other bacteria. One of the great aspects of this approach is that it leaves surrounding tissue untouched. Predatory bacteria would kill superbugs, but not harm surrounding organs by killing off helpful bacteria.

Researchers tested a predatory bacterium on regular bacteria strains and the results were quite interesting. The predatory bacterium Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus burrows into other strains of bacteria and reproduces. Another strain, Micavibrio aeruginosavorus, devours the innards of other bacteria. The strains tested by researchers were effective at attacking bacteria associated with eye infections.

Hospital-Acquired Infections Harm Two Million Americans Every Year

US hospitals are currently experiencing an epidemic of bacterial infections. Centers for Disease Control statistics show that two million patients in the US develop hospital-acquired infections each year. Some of these infections are caused by superbugs. Superbugs can cause organ failure, tissue necrosis and death.

Researchers are not ready to test predatory bacteria on human beings and have only conducted tests on live animals. However, predatory bacteria could become a novel approach to fighting hospital-acquired infections and superbugs in the near future.

The Tampa Bay medical malpractice attorneys at Shapiro Law Group will hold negligent hospitals accountable when patients are harmed by unsanitary conditions.

Tags: HealthcareNews

What Our Clients Say

“My dad lost his fingers on one hand due to malpractice after a successful surgery that did not involve fingers. For months we were told it was because of debris in his blood. It was not. Mr. Shapiro and his associates were relentless in getting the medical records until the "missing" page was sent. Then they had the hard and arduous job of finding a doctor willing to testify. An informative video and audio with the doctor's testimony was presented. Case closed. Because of their due diligence, a satisfactory settlement was reached. Mr. Shapiro's law firm worked hard, were extremely thorough, professional, and kept in constant communication throughout the whole stressful ordeal. Mr. Shapiro still remembers my parents and keeps in touch with my mom, even after 15 years have passed. That alone is impressive.”

Patti A.

“The Shapiro Law Group represented our daughter, family, and reputation in winning our daughters case that was due to a catastrophic injury. We interviewed many lawyers and felt Mr. Shapiro would ultimately do what was best for our family. Being involved in a lawsuit is very difficult, emotional, and exhausting. If it weren’t for the Shapiro Law Group fighting for our daughter and family, I don’t know where we would be now. They are very thorough, knowledgeable, and know what needs to be done. Lawsuits can take a very long time, and we knew that Shapiro Law Group would not give up. They did whatever was necessary to help our daughter. We can’t thank Mr. Shapiro enough for all he has done for so many! During a very difficult situation in our lives, the Shapiro Law Group went above and beyond in guiding our family in helping our daughter. We would highly recommend this firm. Thank you,”

Stephanie P.

“Attorney Richard Shapiro was able to provide me with very knowledgeable and competent legal expertise to resolve my case.”

D. Harrison